Y Gaer Defended Enclosure

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of an earthwork defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43). It is located on a flat-topped hill above steep slopes that mark the defensive circuit on the east, south and west sides. The site is sub-oval in shape on plan and encloses an area measuring 135m east to west by 40m north to south transversely. The defences on the north and west sides comprise an earthen bank that measures 2.7m in height externally and 1m in height internally. Quarrying has destroyed the defences at the east end, together with the entrance at the northeast corner. A steep scarp measuring 4.5m in height defends the south side of the enclosure and overlooks a flat cultivation terrace. The latter measures 10m in width and runs for almost the entire length of the S side of the enclosure. A second steep scarp drops away to the S of the cultivation terrace.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation and settlement. The site forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, layout, building techniques and functional detail.

The area scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is an irregular polygon in shape on plan and measures 180m east to west by 115m transversely.